These can be two truly unforgettable weeks – spent among peers at a winter camp or during a family trip to a hotel for winter holidays. Decide in advance how to plan your winter vacation to provide entertainment for the children and a moment of relaxation for yourself.
The winter holiday period can be quite a challenge for many working parents – how to organize the time so that children do not get bored and household duties do not overshadow the fun? Planning these two weeks in advance helps avoid chaos and guarantees moments of joy for every family member. Find out how to plan a winter holiday so that everyone is happy.
When are the winter holidays in the 2025/2026 school year?
The winter holidays in the 2025/2026 school year will traditionally take place in three waves, to spread out tourist traffic and allow families to calmly plan their winter trips.
In the first wave, from January 19 to February 1, 2026, students from the Mazowieckie, Pomeranian, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie, and Warmian-Masurian voivodeships will go on vacation.
The second wave, occurring from February 2–15, 2026, will include the Lower Silesian, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Łódź, West Pomeranian, Lesser Poland, and Opole voivodeships.
Finally, from February 16 to March 1, 2026, students from the Subcarpathian, Lublin, Greater Poland, Lubusz, and Silesian voivodeships will have their holidays.
Knowing these dates not only makes things easier for schools but is also an excellent guide when planning family winter trips – from mountain slopes to spa relaxation or winter walks by the sea.
Camps and winter holidays for older children
Camps and winter holidays are a great way for older children to spend the break, providing entertainment among peers, opportunities to develop their passions, and learn new skills. The selection is really broad – from skiing and snowboarding camps, through art workshops, to survival or language trips. This form of rest not only delivers unforgettable experiences but also teaches independence and building relationships with new people.
However, if an off-site camp is too big a step, it is worth considering day camps organized by cultural centers. Winter day camps often offer local attractions and interesting workshops, allowing children to develop their interests without the need for long travel.
Grandparents – more than just an emergency option
Time spent with grandparents is much more than just a childcare solution during the holidays. For children, it is an opportunity to better learn family stories, discover their parents' favorite childhood games, and build strong, warm intergenerational bonds. Grandparents often have the gift of suggesting calmer but equally valuable activities – baking cookies together, reading storybooks, or leisurely walks in the park.
Even if grandparents live far away, it is worth considering this option. Children love holidays at their grandparents, and seniors gain great joy from time spent with their grandchildren. This solution can also be a moment of respite for parents, who can plan something for themselves during that time. The presence of grandparents in children's lives is an invaluable treasure.
Parental cooperation
If your holidays don’t fit your vacation plan, it’s worth considering dividing duties with other parents. By arranging alternating care with friends or neighbors, you can create a schedule where each person takes one or two days of caring for a group of children. During this time, you can organize activities for the children such as art workshops, cooking together, team games, or trips to the cinema. Children will definitely enjoy playing together, and you will gain time for work or a moment of rest on another day.
Hotel for winter holidays near Warsaw
Despite duties and a busy schedule, it is worth planning at least a week or a weekend of the holidays to spend this time with your family. A trip to a hotel with attractions for children and adults is a great way to get away from daily matters and focus on shared moments. Choosing a hotel near Warsaw is an additional advantage – a quick commute allows you to start relaxing on the day of arrival without spending long hours traveling.
A family stay in a hotel offering attractions such as children's animations, creative workshops, and film screenings guarantees great fun for the youngest guests. Meanwhile, parents can use the wellness area, relax in the sauna, or simply enjoy a moment of peace. Comfortable conditions, tasty meals, and space for shared activities make sure every family member finds something for themselves.
Hotel for winter holidays with children (Mazowieckie voivodeship)
Santa Natura Resort & Spa is a great place for family winter holidays, offering attractions for both adults and the youngest. Animations are organized on weekends, making the time even more enjoyable for young guests.
One of Santa Natura’s highlights is the spa offer also aimed at children. Young guests can enjoy relaxing treatments such as massages. Meanwhile, parents can unwind in the wellness area, using the saunas and vitality pool.
The hotel also has an intimate cinema hall where family movie nights can be spent – an ideal way to relax after a day full of experiences. The hotel restaurant’s menu is also noteworthy, combining a modern approach to cuisine with unique flavors that appeal to both children and adults.
In winter, the hotel grounds and surrounding forests turn into an ideal place for active recreation enthusiasts. You can go family sledding, and if the weather allows, build a snowman together or have a snowball fight. Walking around the property, children can meet horses and Kamerun goats, which always delight the youngest guests.
Additional attractions near the hotel
The area around Santa Natura hotel offers many interesting places that will enrich family holidays with unforgettable experiences. Nearby is the Flax Museum in Żyrardów, which transports visitors to the city’s past and shows the fascinating history of linen fabrics and the textile industry. Children can see how old machines looked, and adults can learn about the rich heritage of the region.
Lovers of culture and music should visit the Birthplace of Fryderyk Chopin in Żelazowa Wola. This unique place combines the history of the outstanding composer’s life with a picturesque garden surrounding this historic estate. A visit here is not only a history lesson but also a moment of rest in beautiful surroundings.
There is no shortage of modern attractions either – Suntago, the largest water park in Poland, offers lots of fun for the whole family. For relaxation lovers, the thermal baths in Mszczonów provide soothing warm waters, and DeepSpot, the deepest diving pool in the world, delivers unforgettable experiences.
Summary
Winter holidays are an excellent opportunity to spend time in a way that brings joy to both children and adults. Whether you choose a camp for older children, time at grandparents’ place, or a family trip to a hotel with attractions, the key is to plan those days in advance. This will help avoid unnecessary stress and fully enjoy the winter break.